15
Participants
Start Date
October 31, 2025
Primary Completion Date
March 31, 2026
Study Completion Date
April 30, 2026
Animal-Based Protein Smoothie
This smoothie is formulated to deliver 50% of its total caloric content from high-quality animal-based protein, such as whey protein isolate or pasteurized egg whites. It is designed to evaluate the postprandial metabolic and immune response to animal-derived protein sources. The smoothie does not contain any added free amino acids and is prepared in a food-safe certified kitchen under standardized conditions. All participants consume the smoothie after an overnight fast to ensure consistency in metabolic assessment.
Plant-Based Protein Smoothie
This smoothie is formulated to deliver 50% of its total caloric content from plant-based protein, such as pea or rice protein isolate. It is designed to evaluate the postprandial metabolic and immune response to plant-derived protein sources. The smoothie does not contain any added free amino acids and is prepared in a food-safe certified kitchen under standardized conditions. All participants consume the smoothie after an overnight fast to ensure consistency in metabolic assessment.
Plant-Based Protein Smoothie with Leucine
This smoothie is formulated to deliver 50% of its total caloric content from plant-based protein, using sources such as pea or rice protein isolate. In addition, it is supplemented with pharmaceutical-grade leucine to match the leucine content typically found in animal-based protein sources. The smoothie is designed to assess whether leucine supplementation can modulate the postprandial metabolic and immune response to plant-derived protein. It is prepared in a food-safe certified kitchen and consumed after an overnight fast to maintain consistency across study conditions.
UPMC Montefiore - Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC), Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
OTHER